KARACHI: Public anger erupted late Monday night after a speeding water tanker fatally struck a motorcyclist near Jail Chowrangi, leading to violent protests in the city. Enraged citizens set five water tankers on fire, highlighting growing frustration over reckless driving and inadequate traffic enforcement.
Firefighters responded swiftly, extinguishing the flames and preventing further damage. Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took notice of the incident, directing police officials to submit a detailed report on the accident and the subsequent unrest.
Rising Traffic Fatalities in Karachi
The incident adds to a disturbing trend of increasing road accidents in the metropolis. Over the past two months, at least 108 people have lost their lives in Karachi due to traffic-related incidents.
- 72 fatalities occurred in urban areas.
- 24 deaths were reported in suburban regions.
- At least eight people were killed in four separate accidents involving dumpers.
In response to the rising number of casualties, the Sindh government imposed a ban earlier this month restricting heavy vehicles from entering Karachi during daytime hours. As per the directive, dumpers are now only allowed on city roads between 10 PM and 6 AM to reduce congestion and accidents.
Monday’s tragedy has renewed demands for stricter road safety measures and better enforcement of traffic laws to protect Karachi’s residents.
Government’s Response to Increasing Accidents
Following multiple dumper-related accidents earlier this month, Sindh’s Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon addressed the media on February 13, outlining new measures to curb road accidents.
- Mandatory fitness and registration: All heavy transport vehicles must now obtain a valid fitness certificate to operate on Karachi roads. Unregistered or unfit vehicles will be seized.
- Water tanker regulation: The Karachi Water Board has introduced a barcode system for all registered water tankers operating from authorized hydrants. Only fitness-approved vehicles will receive barcodes.
- Dumper truck operational hours revised: Heavy transport vehicles, previously allowed on roads from 11 PM to 6 PM, will now only be permitted from 10 PM to 6 AM to reduce road congestion.
- 30-day grace period: Heavy transport operators have been given one month to obtain the required fitness certifications.
Memon emphasized that road safety is a collective responsibility and should not be blamed on one party alone. He also revealed that the Sindh government plans to outsource the transport department to improve vehicle monitoring and compliance.
“Accidents Should Not Be Politicized”
Speaking on Geo Pakistan, Sindh Government Spokesperson Sadia Javed defended the government’s response, urging people not to politicize road accidents. She warned against giving the issue an ethnic angle, referring to recent remarks made by Muhajir Qaumi Movement (Haqiqi) leader Afaq Ahmed.
“The government will not allow any law and order situation to arise,” she stated, adding that the public must also cooperate in ensuring road safety and enforcing new regulations.
